Venomous Reptile Handling

Guide to Venomous Reptiles in Veterinary Practice

“…2,6,15 If antivenom is available, it should be placed in a cooler to accompany the victim to the hospital, along with a card stating the scientific and common names of the reptile that caused the envenomation and which antivenom is appropriate. 10,15 More detailed information on emergency protocols can be found in Whitaker and Gold 15 and on establishing specific treatments protocols in McNally et al 5 Bite protocols for specific species are also available through the Florida Snakebite Institute. Treatment of the patient upon arrival at the hospital is beyond the scope of this article, but more detailed information can be found in Gold et al, 6 Norris, 9 Whitaker and Gold, 15 and Kitchens.…”

“…2,4,6,9,10,15 For elapid and helodermatid bites (those that do not produce significant tissue necrosis), a pressure bandage should be placed on the limb, wrapping tightly in a distal to proximal direction (the Sutherland technique), similar to that as used for a joint injury. 2,4,9,10,15 This bandage should not be removed until the patient is receiving antivenom. 6,15 First aid measures such as tourniquets, incision and suction, and ice packs are no longer recommended.…”

“…However, the Gentle Giant (Midwest) is a set of tongs that grips and holds without crushing and is useful in an emergency for grasping snakes, especially quick species (e.g., elapids). 2,4,10 Clear plastic or acrylic tubes in a range of sizes and lengths are necessary for safe restraint of venomous snakes. A useful set of snake tubes is available through Midwest (Fig.…”

“…[1][2][3][4]8,10 Proper equipment is essential for safety of both the reptile and the people involved (Fig. 2).…”

“…2,7 Face shields or goggles should be worn when working with these species, and an eyewash station should be readily accessible. 2,10 Antivenom is available for most elapid species that cause human fatalities. 4 The sea snakes belong to subfamilies of the Elapidae, although some consider this group of animals to be in separate families.…”